Books Galore

White Teeth

2009-07-26T14:14:00.001-07:00

White Teeth by Zadie Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Zadie Smith (amazingly 24 years old when she wrote this in 2000) took a subject that has been written about so frequently in recent years -- ethnic identity and confusion/colonialism (in this case British) and the long term personal outcomes/first generation versus second generation/ethic and religious stereotypes, et. al -- and makes it original. Think 'Crash' meets 'Babel' meets 'Towelhead'. But even that does not do the book justice. Smith uses humor and satire, stereotypes mixed with such dead on linguistical prose (her 'slang' is absolutely dead on accurate), characters who just barely cross the line between being believably realistic and representations of racial biases. I was completely smitten by Smith's style, humor and originality.

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Perfect Fifths

2009-07-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

Perfect Fifths: A Novel by Megan McCafferty

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
*sigh*...I wish I could have given this book a higher rating. I've always thought that McCafferty's Jessica Darling books were touching, honest, heartfelt and extremely fun to read. Sadly, Ms. McCafferty (who has so much talent as a YA author and created probably the most realistic and believable characters since Judy Blume) completely phoned this one in. 'Perfect Fifths' was rushed, forced and eventually a huge let down for any reader who has been following the trials and tribulations of Jessica and Marcus over the years. There was some clever and funny dialogue, reminiscent of her earlier books, an attempt to recapture the nature of her fabulous characters, but overall the ending fell flat.

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The Four Corners of the Sky

2009-07-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

3 out of 5 Stars
The perfect summer beach read. Con artists, airplanes, lovable characters, romance, family sagas, and even a touch of melodrama.

Last Exit To Brooklyn

2009-07-08T16:02:00.001-07:00

5 out of 5 Stars
I find it extremely difficult to write about Hubert Selby Jr.'s books, let alone 'review' them. He is one of the few authors who I find so honest, so original, so heart breaking, so grotesque, and so 'anti mainstream'. Which is ironic now in 2009 -- the world has changed, people have changed, NYC has changed, society has become so divided between extreme liberals and extreme conservatives. I guess 'Last Exit To Brooklyn' will probably become 'trendy' soon, among Brooklyn hipsters, angsty 20 somethings, college students, and recent NYC implants. But one of the things I find so absolutely astonishing about 'Last Exit To Brooklyn' is that Selby wrote it (semi autobiographically) in 1964.
This book (or what is actually a poignant collection of short stories that tie together) made me empathize, sympathize, cry, laugh, cringe, and become transported to what I always assumed was 'life' in NYC in the 50s (unlike 'Revolutionary Road' where I felt no compassion to any of the characters).
Selby's characters are not always easy to like. Rapists, drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes...but through his writing he is able to (if only for a page or two) find a way for the reader to connect to and understand.
I guess what strikes me the most about this novel is that while it was written almost 50 years ago, very little has changed. And thank you, Mr. Selby, for documenting reality and not being afraid show the truth.

The Room

2009-07-04T13:17:00.001-07:00

The Room by Hubert Selby Jr.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is one of the only books I have ever read that made me outright nauseous. Selby's violent and brutal and graphic descriptions of revenge were so real and vivid that I had to keep putting this book down to clear my head. But the fact that an author is capable of making me feel such a strong and real queasiness makes me completely in awe of him. He holds nothing back in this book. Selby makes Bret Easton Ellis's writing seem PG 13. If I was forced to choose between being locked in a room with Patrick Bateman or the 'protagonist' of 'The Room', I'd take Bateman any day. There is absolutely no element of satire in 'The Room'. While the narrative switches from the reality of the protagonist (who remains nameless throughout) to his fantasy world of beating the system as a hero to his graphic and horrific revenge fantasies, he remains completely serious amd dead pan throughout. There is no sense of humor in the character, and while the novel does provide social commentary and critique on the justice system in America and police brutality, there is nothing humorous or tongue in cheek about it. It's difficult to say that I 'enjoyed' this book -- I wouldn't even allow my mom, who is also a big Hubert Selby Jr fan, to borrow it. I didn't want her to share the repulsion and nausea that I felt while reading it. I am in awe that a writer can make me feel such physical emotions from his words. I can't say I 'recommend' this book, but I do believe that it one I will keep in my library forever.

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Dark Places : A Novel

2009-05-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

Dark Places: A Novel by Gillian Flynn

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love Gillian Flynn and was so excited to read her second book. After her original creepy/quirky first novel 'Sharp Objects', I was beyond excited to see what she would come up with next. And 'Dark Places' certainly lived up to my expectations. I was immediately drawn in by Libby Day, a complete anti hero -- rather unlikable but at the same time unapologetic and honest. I love how Flynn interweaves Libby's modern day story with the voices from her past (her mother and brother). This is a fabulous, disturbing, unique murder mystery. I can't wait to see what Gillian Flynn will write next!

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Requiem For A Dream

2009-05-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

Requiem for a Dream by Hubert Selby Jr.

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I could not put this book down. Selby's flowing and unpunctuated prose, his tragic characters who in spite of their 'flawed' habits remain so entirely likable, his graphic and realistic depiction of shattered dreams and lost hopes, are like being on a train that is certain to crash with no hope of escape. Selby writes about the struggle with addiction and how it gradually consumes the mind, the body, and the world around us. But unlike most authors who have tackled the same subject, Selby has created characters that are so vivid and realistic -- characters who we wouldn't give a second glance on the streets of NY -- and has made them so likable that when the ending sneaks up, I wanted to burst into tears.

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The Graveyard Book

2009-04-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
As an educator, avid reader, and fan of children's literature, I am so happy that Neil Gaiman was awarded the Newbery Medal for this fantastic, haunting, and sophisticated book. Having only read Gaiman's 'Coraline' and 'Neverwhere', I was in awe of his ability to grasp so acutely the power of a child's imagination, their fears and hopes and comforts and language. I felt at times like I was ready a Grimm Fairy Tale (though in his afterword Gaiman writes that he was inspired by Kipling's Jungle Book). The story follows many motifs of a fairy tale. Namely escaping powerful and evil enemies, good versus evil and the fine line in between, freedom versus entrapment, etc. Midway through the novel, I began to feel like I was reading a series of short stories, tied together by the protagonist (Nobody 'Bod' Owens) but by the last chapter I had become so attached to the inhabitants in the graveyard, and especially to Bod himself, that the book came full circle. I own my own copy and I admit that, yes, the last five pages are tear stained -- tears of joy, mostly, to have been so moved by a characters' growth and understanding.

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We Were The Mulvaneys

2009-04-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sometimes the American Dream fails due to one event. A close knit and warmly truthful family may not be as close as they originally thought. People change, friends are not the people you thought they were, intelligence can only accomplish so much, and even on the surface what appears to be a deep familiar love may not be sustainable.

Oates draws the reader into the close knit family circle of The Mulvaney family, only to eventually rip away the facade. Life, love and family are fragile. And as a reader, I thrived on every sentence and description of the Mulvaney family. An event that at first seems harmful yet able to overcome becomes something so evil and sinister that it can destroy lives and tear apart the inner core of everything we believe to be true.

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The Possession Of Mr. Cave

2009-04-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

The Possession of Mr Cave by Matt Haig

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
While at times I found this 'mystery' a bit overdramatic and filled with obvious metaphors which are overly drawn out, eventually Haig touches on a very real and very poignant issue -- how far will a parent go to protect his children and at what cost? If one reads this bizarre story as a metaphor for the anguish, fear, and eventual acceptance of a parents' coming to terms with his child's entry into the teenage/adult world, this is a strong novel. But if read as a 'mystery', I found it lacking and I thought the narrator was under developed.

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Zombie

2009-04-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Absolutely terrifying. This book was so disturbing that I had to read it in one sitting for fear that if I didn't finish it immediately, I might have been too horrified to finish it the next day. Quentin P is a sick man. But the brilliance of this novella lies in Oates's first person narrative -- as a writer she literally has entered the mind of mentally disturbed killer. His crimes are gruesome, but that is not what made this book get into my skin. It is Quentin's voice, his somber, at times child like and innocent description of his daily routine. And his complete lack of feeling or empathy for others. Very scary and very, very well written.

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Beasts (Otto Penzler Books)

2009-04-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

Beasts by Joyce Carol Oates

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Eerie, haunting, disturbing and yet satisfying and impossible to put down, 'Beasts' was probably not the ideal read on my most recent trip to a resort in Dubai. Still, I was drawn into the story (novella) and even identified with several of the characters (the fictitious Catamount College could so easily be Vassar) and their 'artistic flairs' which allow them to be so drawn in by the creepy Professor Harrow and his wife. This is a story of desire, of the drive to be noticed and singled out, of college students' entry exploration of love versus lust, beauty versus grotesque, honesty versus pretension, and how these lines are so easily blurred when one is living in a 'bubble' that is an east coast liberal arts college.

Of course, this novella slapped me in the face as it brought me back to my senior year, when art history was the most important subject in my life though I was hard at work directing a play which was an adaptation of Ovid's Metamorphoses for my thesis.

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My Sister, My Love

2009-03-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

My Sister, My Love: The Intimate Story of Skyler Rampike by Joyce Carol Oates

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Leave it to Oates to write a captivating, disturbing, enthralling and clever in (semi) first person narrative, not so subtly based on the murder of Jon Benet Ramsay. I love her use of literary devices (Skyler's footnotes, his memories which switch from first person to third person, her use of metaphor and symbolism in the characters' names) and her harsh yet brutally honest critique of suburban society, religion, family values, and the tabloids.

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Stalking Susan

2009-03-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

Stalking Susan: A Novel by Julie Kramer

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
Not bad for a murder mystery. Held my interest throughout though the ending was predictable. Still, a fun read -- a great book for the beach, the subway, a long airplane flight, etc.

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Rape : A Love Story

2009-03-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

Rape: A Love Story by Joyce Carol Oates

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
It's shocking and almost unforgiving that I have been on this earth for 30 years and have never read Joyce Carol Oates. Reading her entire cannon will soon become my latest addiction in 2009. So how do I review this novel? (note : I am writing this review after already having read 'Zombie' a few days ago). First of all, Joyce C Oates, where have you been all my life? And to my literary friends : Why did nobody tell me about the lyricism, harshness, brilliant POV changes, and upsetting yet beautiful prose? How dare you make me wait so long to discover this author!!!

It seems almost uncouth that I am saying these things while reviewing a novel titled 'Rape : A Love Story'. But that is exactly what it is. A brutal, disgusting, nauseating, angering crime, followed by a non existent trial (as Oates makes clear -- why bother). But yet -- in a disturbing but also innocent way (only could this have worked from Oates' second person POV of the young Bethie) -- it's a love story. Maybe a love story that should send second person narrative Bethie to therapy for the rest of her life. But the way Oates has concisely and sharply pointed her narrative like a sharp dagger (or worse) and then mixed the story with illegal justice and innocent motives, makes this novel disturbing, stunning and bitter sweet.

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Beautiful Boy

2009-03-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Meth Addiction by David Sheff

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Once again, I wish that goodreads had an option for giving half star ratings, because I would have given 'Beautiful Boy' 3.5 stars (one half star more than I gave 'Tweak'). I think David Sheff's personal narrative about his struggle with his son's addiction deserves a half star more than Nic's personal memoirs. David is an adult, has been a journalist for many years, and has writing experience and life experience that make his memoir upsetting, frustrating, heartwarming and thoughtful. Nic's memoir reads like what it is -- a twenty something recovering addict who is still figuring things out. The two books compliment each other very well and I would strongly encourage anyone who has struggled with addiction, be it personally, as a relative or as a close friend, to read both of these books.

I am still very much impressed with the brutal honesty in both of these books. And as far as memoirs about addiction go, these two books are much more fact based than others I have read. I liked that David Sheff provided an excess of information about struggling with addiction and how to seek help. Sadly, the conclusion remains the same -- when it comes to battling the disease of addiction, at the current time there is no certain cure.

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Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines

2009-02-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I found this book at my mom's house in SF (my aunt left it there) and I probably wouldn't have it read it otherwise. I had nothing else to take with me on the 5 hour airplane back to NYC. I liked this enough to buy David Sheff's book 'Beautiful Boy' which I'll read when I finish Joyce Carol Oates. I appreciate Nic's honesty and his bravery in holding nothing back. I don't tend to like 'memoirs' about drug addiction and rehab, and Sheff is just so young to be writing about his experiences. I was hoping he would write more about his childhood experiences of living in a 'grown up world' and I was hoping he would write more about how his drug addiction and early rehab experiences destroyed his family. This is probably discussed in 'Beautiful Boy' (which I no doubt should have read first).

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I Know This Much Is True

2009-02-22T16:25:00.000-08:00

I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Identical twins. One is schizophrenic and one is not. And that barely even skims the surface of Wally Lamb's beautiful, questioning, and poignant second novel.

Wally Lamb's books are long. At 900 pages, 'I Know This Much Is True' is only a bit shorter than 'War and Peace'. I guess I've been reading his novels out of sequence (I started with 'The Hour I First Believed' and have not yet read 'She's Come Undone'). I love his prose. I love his constant soul searching blended intriguingly with historical fiction and epic family sagas. Yes, his metaphors get repetitive after 500 pages, but I don't mind. It's well worth it to find such a gripping novel which covers so much ground. I found myself wanting more. I didn't want this book to end.

This novel is not as polished as Eugenides' 'Middlesex' but Lamb's attention to detail and his creation of complex and believable characters and their struggles with self discovery are so moving. Finding peace through self discovery -- something we all seek and strive to achieve.

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The Rapture of Canaan

2009-02-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

The Rapture of Canaan by Sheri Reynolds

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I'm becoming quite a fan of Sheri Reynolds. This is the second novel of hers (I read The Sweet In Between in December) that I have read and I love that her books center on very heavy issues while keeping an enrapturing flow of innocence -- mostly due to the first person narratives of the teenage protagonists. Reynolds never veers off the subject nor does she get repetitive or provide too much exposition. She provides the reader with fabulous and disturbing images -- building up to the eventual climax. In 'The Rapture of Canaan', she creates a religious commune that is so realistic and terrifying, a world that most likely *does* exist somewhere in America. But religion aside, assimilation with society, beliefs that are forced upon children by their parents, and coming of age are topics that are relevant to everyone, and *that* is what makes this book so powerful.

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Breaking Dawn

2009-01-30T06:48:00.000-08:00

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
This was my least favorite book of the Twilight Saga. Stephenie Meyer uses over 700 pages of text to slowly, slowly attempt to reach a climax and ending, which I found dull and disappointing.

*SPOILERS*!!!

Once Bella becomes a vampire the novel (and series) lost it's original thread. What I found most intriguing about the first three books is how Bella is rooted in two seperate worlds -- one of myth and fantasy and one of high school reality. I thought this concept made the novels readable and showed Bella as a likable protagonist.

But her marriage to Edward? And then the birth of Renesmee? And Jacob's imprinting? And the alliance between shape shifters and vampires? And finally, FINALLY, the return of the Volturi (I waited and waited for more in depth Volturi description which was never given). Meyer turned an original idea into her own version of Harry Potter and it was uninteresting and far less creative and dramatic than the previous Twilight books.

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Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 3)

2009-01-18T13:47:00.000-08:00

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Eclipse is much the same as the first two books which is both good and bad. Meyer has created an original and complex world in Forks, WA mixing supernatural with human emotions. Her characters are well developed and in this third installment we see quite a lot of growth and change (literally and spiritually) in the character of Jacob. I like the love triangle but I find the constant Bella/Edward -doubting of whether they deserve each other or are good for each other - to be a little repetitive. Eclipse devotes entire chapters to 'story telling' -- ie. Emmett's background, Rosalie's background and further history of the Quiluetes,all of which I find very interesting. I appreciate that Meyer has maintained her own interpretation of vampires and werewolves -- it would have been easy to fall into copying ideas from Anne Rice and Charlaine Harris.

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New Moon (The Twilight Saga Book 2)

2009-01-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I just can't stop -- these books are waaaay too addicting. And now on to book 3...

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The Same Stuff As Stars

2009-01-11T07:43:00.000-08:00

The Same Stuff as Stars by Katherine Paterson

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I bought this book at the airport in Jordan because it was, literally, the only decent thing for sale in English. It's not as striking as 'The Great Gilly Hopkins' or as intricate as 'Bridge to Terebithia' but it had some touching moments. It's a YA book that I would recommend more for middle schoolers than for adults who enjoy YA.

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The Hour I First Believed

2009-01-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

The Hour I First Believed: A Novel by Wally Lamb

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
If Goodreads allowed readers to give half stars, I would have given this novel 3.5 stars. I bumped up my rating to 4 stars because I think overall this was an interesting and thought provoking read. I immediately took to the voice of the narrator Caelum Quirk. I like his name, his background and (up until the last 200 pages or so) his journey. The book starts off very promisingly -- a character who is unknowingly searching for his sense of self, a traumatic experience in his current life, and a journey to confront a troubled past and family history. This is a lot for an author to tackle in one novel but I think Wally lamb could have surmised Caleum's 'journey' in 500 pages (as opposed to the over 700 pages of the novel). Lamb's metaphors and themes of The Butterfly Effect, The Maze, and how the past affects the future are incredibly poignant for the first half of the novel. But Lamb gets repetitive as the book progresses -- he repeats his themes over and over, as though he is hitting the reader over the head with the obvious. Still, it was an enjoyable read overall. I loved the history of the prison and passages that delve into the past -- ultimately allowing Caelum to confront and come to terms with himself and his history.

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Twilight

2009-01-06T07:14:00.000-08:00

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I confess, this book was extremely addicting. Does Stephanie Meyer somehow infuse crack in the printing process. I wanted to scoff at the book and use it as proof that young adult literature is no longer 'readable'. But I found myself completely ensconced in the romance between Edward and Bella. I love that the novel remains 'steamy' while keeping a firm PG rating. I was very much drawn in by the members of Edward's family and now (even though it is somewhat embarrassing to admit), I plan to read the rest of the series.

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The Sweet In-Between

2009-01-05T07:07:00.000-08:00

The Sweet In-Between by Sheri Reynolds

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
While this book contains elements of dark and disturbing trauma, it reads a touching and rather sweet coming-of-age story. I was immediately taken by the setting (Virginia), the characters' realistic and often humorous dialogue, and mostly by the protagonist, Kendra (Kenny). A quick read but certainly one that is honest, at times heart breaking but mostly positive and uplifting.

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Coraline

2009-01-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
More of a short story than a full length young adult novel, I was completely swept away by 'Coraline' (in the hour it took me to read it). Coraline is a strong, independent young lady -- a positive role model for any child. The story itself is almost like Danielewski's 'House of Leaves' toned down for a young audience. It's not as stunning as a Grimm Fairy Tale, or as complex as Harry Potter, but I think that children (and adults alike) will take something away as a result of reading Coraline. Some of Gaiman's literary images are stunningly creepy, particularly the 'other' theater that plays on and on and on and the neighbors are eternally young -- an image that would be well suited to a Lynch film. I'm eager to see what Henry Selick does with the film.

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Revolutionary Road

2009-01-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
Richard Yates's novel about the frustrations of suburban life in 1950s did not strike me as particularly shocking or moving in any way. The novel itself is very cold -- none of the characters are likeable, their struggles seem mundane, and the ending took far too long to reach. I was hoping for more. I'm curious to see what Sam Mendes does with the film -- the novel has many similarities to 'American Beauty' without the startling descriptive images or character development.

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Mama Does Time

2008-12-06T10:54:00.000-08:00

Mama Does Time: A Mace Bauer Mystery by Deborah Sharp

My review

rating: 1 of 5 stars
The next time Hoda Kotbe on 'The Today Show' tries to sell me on a 'humorous and riveting' mystery novel, I plan to ignore her. This attempt at a book was like reading a 'Baby Sitters Club' mystery -- all telling, no great plot devices, characters whose 'quirks' and 'personalities' are described over and over on repeat. This was a waste of my time.

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HeartSick

2008-12-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

Heartsick by Chelsea Cain

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
This book is a somewhat trashy and very quick read. One of those 'Law and Order' attempts to translate to paper back mystery books. It was mostly cringeful, yet I still find myself reading the sequel. I mean seriously, Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison! And no doubt Archie will be stupid enough once again to fall under her spell. Heh.

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Sweetheart

2008-12-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain

My review

rating: 1 of 5 stars
I don't actually know exactly why I bothered to read this, given my opinion on 'Heartsick' -- the first of the Gretchen Lowell books. In many ways, this second book is even sillier -- more implausible and even a bit boring.

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Fall On Your Knees

2008-11-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Fall On Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was completely swept away by MacDonald's lilting prose, mysterious and fascinating characters, descriptions of landscape and setting, and historical accuracy of the time period. An extremely well written and compelling novel that left me wanting more. A novel I will definitely reread again in a few years.

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To Kill A Mockingbird

2008-11-04T10:00:00.001-08:00

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Harper Lee so delicately and thoughtfully captures the innocence of youth. It's about family, growing up, justice, rage, human nature, innocence and childhood. It is heart breaking at times but Scout's voice is both funny and wise.

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the Catcher in the Rye

2008-10-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
There is so much I respect about this novel that I don't even know where to begin. 50 years later this novel still remains true, beautiful, heart breaking, and yes, even scandalous. Holden Caulfield is not simply a representation of 'teen angst' (as many younger readers seem to think), but he is a realistic, troubled, and clever character who doesn't just hate the world and society in which he resides, he truly doesn't care about many things. He's brilliant, sarcastic, often times innocent, and other times jaded -- but what he never is is fake. He is articulate and candid, but not precocious or annoying. My favorite parts of the book are his scenes with Phoebe -- the one person in the world (other than his deceased brother) who he truly respects. He absorbs all experiences, good and bad, adding them to his own knowledge base. He is so confused about what he should do, he simply regresses socially, hoping to escape the tough choices of adulthood by keeping others from them. One of my all time favorite novels.

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American Wife

2008-10-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

American Wife: A Novel by Curtis Sittenfeld

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This novel is quite a change for Curtis Sittenfeld, and shows not only her growth as a writer but in my opinion establishes her in an entirely new genre. With this mature, thoughtful and solid novel, she has stepped out of any connotations of 'young adult' or even 'chick lit' and proved her writing talent as a truly gifted American author. Her protagonist Alice Blackwell, (based on Laura Bush) is sympathetic and strong. A character I both respect and admire. I loved the structure of the novel -- three distinct addresses and locations -- representing different periods in Alice's life and each part clearly showing Alice's strength and growth as a woman, as a mother and as an American.

"All I did was marry him. You are the ones who gave him power."

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My Horizontal Life : A Collection of One Night Stands

2008-10-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands by Chelsea Handler

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
I read this book in one sitting which may have tainted my final opinion of it. I think Chelsea Handler is a brilliant, insightful, and hilarious person but these stories of her one night stands made me feel sad for how little self respect she had in her early-mid twenties. I still laughed quite a bit, but overall I just felt really sorry her. I admire that she was able to use these awful experiences in a book and for comedic purposes, but her written voice takes on a neutral tone until the final few stories when she begins to share her feelings about the consequences of her actions. A worthwhile read but not as good as her second book.

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Are You There Vodka? It's Me Chelsea

2008-10-05T11:58:00.001-07:00

Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Chelsea Handler is an amazing comedian and writing is just as funny as her spoken word. What makes her writing even better is that without her actually speaking the words out loud, her stories take on a darkly absurd quality -- this book made me laugh out loud several times and it also made me cringe in sympathy. I thought this book was stronger than her first one.

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The Likeness

2008-09-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Likeness: A Novel by Tana French

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
There is just something about Tana French's writing that puts her in a class above other mystery/crime writers. Maybe it's the rural Irish settings and Irish slang that I love. Or maybe it's her whimsical use of descriptive prose that has me eagerly turning the pages. I love that French doesn't underrate her audience. She doesn't do what most mystery writers do in terms of setting up a crime and then giving too many clues to the ending, as though the reader wouldn't have already guessed. French's novels are more about the intricacies of the characters -- their actions and reactions, their backgrounds, the way they interact with each other. This plus French's talent for creating a realistic and plausible crime make me hope that she continues to write more books about Cassie. I thought 'The Likeness' (her 2nd novel) was stronger than her first ('In The Woods'). I'm eager to see what else she has in store!

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At Home In The World

2008-09-02T07:13:00.001-07:00

At Home in the World: A Memoir by Joyce Maynard

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
In general, I don't read a lot of memoirs because I tend to find the author's voice self centered. That being said, this is the second memoir I've read recently (the first being Claire Bloom's memoir about her life and her marriage to Philip Roth). Both Maynard and Bloom have similar stories to tell. Children, relationships with well known novelists, growth, change, etc. The major difference between these two books are that 1) Claire Bloom is an actor and *not* a writer (namely, hers was a more interesting story to tell, packed with dirt about several legendary stage and screen actors, 2) Maynard is a writer and not an actor, hence making her memoir well written and thoughtful.

Nothing struck me as surprising about Maynard's story. And she never looks back in regret.

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The Turnaround

2008-08-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

The Turnaround by George Pelecanos

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
This book had a strong start -- racism, stereotypes, class struggle, family make up, the military, Washington DC, crime, violence, drugs -- but it completely veered in the wrong direction by the second half when Pelecanos decides to make the story overly sentimental. He provides unnecessary background and gives so much away in the first half that while I was hoping the ending wouldn't be as cheesy and obvious as it was, Pelecanos spells it all out and underestimates the intelligence of his readers. I may give him another chance though. I have heard that of the many books he has written, 'RThe Turnaround' is not even close to his best.

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Schooled

2008-08-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

Schooled by Anisha Lakhani

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
While the actual 'story' of this book is packed with cliche, repetition, and redundance, Lakhani has chosen some very serious, honest, and accurate subject matter. A few years back I read a similar novel (I think it was called 'The Ivy Chronicles') which was also a fictionalized version of a very real and disturbing Manhattan phenomenon -- parents who pay obscene amounts amounts of money so that their children can get into the *right* kindergarten. As a teacher in Manhattan myself, I am aware that this continues to be a serious issue. Lakhani reaches her conclusion very quickly -- don't be *friends* with your students, treat them like adults, have empathy for their hectic schedules, be aware that the world is a difficult place for children and is getting worse, and help them and teach them as best you can -- if it means only reaching a handful out of a class of 40, you have still made some change. I'm glad that Lakhani wrote about private school 'tutoring', and she was quite accurate in the goings on of Upper East Side families (she has first hand experience in the matter after teaching at Dalton). I'm interested in seeing how the Manhattan private schools will react to her book. If any change or any new rules are implemented in the corrupt system, then Ms. Lakhani has my full support!

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Towelhead

2008-08-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

Towelhead: A Novel by Alicia Erian

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I'm very eager (and also a bit anxious) to see what Alan Ball's film version of this book will be like. The story had elements of 'American Beauty' (older man/young girl, suburbia, racial issues, the military, etc) but unlike the former, young Jasira is such an innocent that I found myself cringing to read page after page of how she has been taken advantage of. The novel is written from her point of view, which makes her innocence even more realistic and brutally honest. At times I felt like I was invading her privacy, even though she is a fictional character. My heart went out to young Jasira. It's very difficult subject matter but it's worth the read.

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Black Out

2008-08-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

Black Out: A Novel by Lisa Unger

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
This book was quite a page turner! Though I thought Unger lost some steam and momentum in the second half. Still, this was very enjoyable. Though a lot of the plot twists became redundant toward the end -- in many ways I think the story would work well as a film, with the right director.

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The Condition

2008-08-01T09:57:00.001-07:00

The Condition by Jennifer Haigh

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
A very touching novel, written with graceful and articulate prose. 'The Condition' is not so much about the literal condition (Turners Syndrome), but about a Family and about change and growth; the passing of time and the effects it has on an individual and on a family. Haigh successfully interweaves the characters, all of whom are dynamic and believable. I read this novel in two days -- it was almost impossible to put down. My only criticism is how Haigh neatly wraps up the ending.

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Civic Beauties

2008-07-28T16:14:00.001-07:00

Civic Beauties by C.D. Payne

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
While this novel has moments of C.D. Payne humor, overall it was quite a disappointment. I appreciated the 'Nick and Sheeni-esque' attributes of the dialogue, but this 'musical novel' can't come anywhere near to capturing the uniqueness of 'Youth In Revolt'. A clever idea that got more and more bizarre and illogical as the pages turned.

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More Than It Hurts You

2008-07-21T14:09:00.001-07:00

More Than It Hurts You by Darin Strauss

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first novel by Darin Strauss that I have read and I was quite impressed with the way he captured issues of race and gender in a subtle and sensitive way. The story could have easily turned into something 'obvious' and 'in your face' like the screenplay for 'Crash' or even certain moments in 'Babel' but Strauss used pacing and tone and honesty to create a novel that is both upsetting, scary, but in the end, absolutely right on the mark. And issues of race, gender and religion are only part of what makes this novel so dynamic. Strauss creates the character Josh -- a man living in oblivion and seeing the world only as he wants to -- it was these moments that really struck me. Is it better to live in our own perceptions and be happy, or is it better to face reality and and all of it's consequences?

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Cost

2008-07-10T13:33:00.001-07:00

Cost: A Novel by Roxana Robinson

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I thought a good chunk of this novel bordered on melodramatic. It was no doubt a adequate depiction of heroine addiction and how it effects the entire family, but so much of the novel felt cliche. It's new fiction, it just came out 2 weeks ago. Had I read this novel 6 years ago (before addiction was such a hot topic in literature, film and television) I might have had a better tolerance for the story. But the interventionist, the concerned parents who react with anger, guilt and sadness, the brother who is torn between loyalty and love, and the distant sister, the novel felt like something I had already read before. That being said, I did admire Robinson's use of narrative and third person storytelling which encompassed every character. Her strongest scenes were those centered around Edward and Katherine, the grandparents. This is a very well written book but the subject matter is nothing new.

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Revolting Youth

2008-07-07T15:51:00.001-07:00

Revoltingly Young: The Journals of Nick Twisp's Younger Brother by C.D. Payne

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was sad to see this book (and the entire Nick Twisp series) come to an end. Books 3-6, while extremely 'readable' are not quite up to par with 'Youth In Revolt' (books 1-3) but they are still a pleasure to read and they are laugh out loud funny. But I want MORE!! Please, Mr. Payne, let Noel (nee Jake) write more journals! I grew so fondly attached to all of the characters, it will be hard to let them go.

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Gossip of the Starlings

2008-07-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

Gossip of the Starlings by Nina de Gramont

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
This novel reads like 'Gossip Girl' or 'Prep' for grown ups. What makes it beautiful and poignant is Gramont's choice to narrate the first person story as Catherine several years later, looking back on the events of her friendship with Skye. This novel is extremely 'readable', but Gramont lost me in the end -- as she veers from depicting a toxic friendship to describing a predictable tragic outcome. What I did love was that the story was set in the 80s, and how much has changed in terms of 'misbehaviour' among the boarding school. It's interesting to compare this work of fiction to the more current (and sadly non fiction) book "Restless Virgins". 'Gossip of the Starlings' depicts the same issues girls are still facing -- issues that only seem to get worse as time passes.

I never thought that any of Skye's actions were done with malice of forethought, and though the story is told by Catherine, I actually felt that Skye was the better developed of the two characters.

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Young and Revolting - The Continental Journals of Nick Twisp

2008-06-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

Young and Revolting: The Continental Journals of Nick Twisp by C., D. Payne

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Alas, I am only able to give 'Book 6' 3 out of 5 stars. This is so far the weakest of the Nick Twisp journals. It started out humorous and clever -- I love Nick's documentation of his 'married life' with Sheeni in their tiny Parisian apartment, the new characters introduced, the further stories of Connie and Paul, and the music videos. But once Nick goes on the run again and joins the circus, I completely lost interest, and it seemed as though so did C.D. Payne. Disappointing but true. The second half of the book -- ie. Nick's attempting to win Reina's hand through the contest -- was silly, out of character and completely lacking in the wit and wisdom readers of Nick's journals have previous been entertained with. And the '13 Years Later' ending seemed forced and rushed -- like Payne had simply tired of Nick and his friends -- and was ready to move on to something else. Still, this will not stop me from reading 'Revoltingly Young'.

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Revolting Youth

2008-06-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

Revolting Youth: The Further Journals of Nick Twisp by C.D. Payne

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I will never have too much Nick Twisp! I want more more more! 'Revolting Youth' brings the brilliant addition of Connie, Benecia, Mexico, Belmondo plastic surgery -- Nick's life and journals continue in the brilliant absurdity. Absolutely fantastic!

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The Tenth Circle

2008-06-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

The Tenth Circle
Author - Jodi Picoult
Another Jodi Picoult novel that didn't register among my list of favorites. It's not one of her more provocative books. I found it predictable and the Alaska plot line kind of dragged on. But I did like the use of comic illustrations.

Frisco Pigeon Mambo

2008-06-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

Frisco Pigeon Mambo by C.D. Payne

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
A clever satire by the amazingly hilarious C.D. Payne. I loved the concept but I think the idea would have worked better as a short story. It's not at all a long book (only 185 pages) but the humor of the satire drags a bit in the middle section. Still, Payne is a master of word play. 'Frisco Pigeon Mambo' is not as engaging as the journals of Nick Twisp, but it is very clever and manages to provide comedic commentary on issues such as animal rights, politics, gender identity, disability, religion, and family structure.

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Eat, Pray, Love

2008-06-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

1 out of 5 Stars
I hate not finishing books. It's for me to start a book and then abandon it halfway through. If it is a boring book I trudge through and wait for it to get interesting. If it is lacking a significant plot I push my way through so I see if I at least determine a purpose. If it is a poorly written book, I still finish it because I think it is unfair to judge a book without at least reading every word on the page.

Eat, Pray, Love may just be the first book ever in my life that may get abandoned. I'm 100 pages into it and the author is still in Italy whining about her ex boyfriend who she decided to break up with because it was either that or stay in a miserable relationship (which she contemplates doing for a good number of pages). I find the book soooooo slow and I find the author extremely unsympathetic. I don't know if I can finish her travels in Italy, let alone put up with yoga in India or her peace in Indonesia. Good Lord.

Youth In Revolt

2008-06-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

Youth in Revolt by C.D. Payne

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
It's been a very long time since I have laughed, cringed, and fully appreciated all 500 pages of a novel. My only regret? Not reading this book in the early 90s, when my high school years were coinciding with those of the precocious, alliterate, and all together brilliant life of Nick Twisp. C.D Payne now has my undying admiration and respect for creating such a dynamic and just plain lovable protagonist. Payne nailed it -- this book is funny without being cliche, it's farcical yet still remains truthful and honest. And the characters in Nick's life? Sheeni, Apurva, Trent, his parents, even Taggarty -- FINALLY, an author who creates *interesting* characters! I immediately bought all of Payne's novels after completely 'Youth In Revolt'. I want more Nick Twisp! And I am very much eager to see the upcoming film version!

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Man Walks Into A Room

2008-05-31T05:40:00.001-07:00

Author - Nicole Krauss
4 out of 5 stars
A very well crafted and intelligent novel about memory, time, and human emotion and its significance. I thought this book was perfectly shaped and consistent. Any other writer taking on the same idea could have easily turned it into a messy jumble of unorganized thought but Krauss keeps Samson exactly as he should be -- clinical, cold and scientific while observing the emotions of the world almost as an alien would (hence the Mars references).

Salem Falls

2008-05-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

Author - Jodi Picoult
2 out of 5 Stars
I have a love/hate relationship with Picoult's writing. She's very hit or miss. I thought the story in this was pretty far fetched. And that it was far more predictable than her other novels. Even the court room scenes could have been cut down. I don't think the reader needed the endless pages of DNA testimony. And I found the 'reality' of the crime extremely bizarre. Witches? 'Salem' Falls? Jack and Gill. Quotes from the Crucible? Definitely not my favorite of Picoult's novels.

The Post Birthday World

2008-05-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

2.5 out of 5 Stars
author - Lionel Shriver
I found this novel needlessly long -- not because it was 'wordy' -- Shriver spends pages repeating characterization details. I love the 'Sliding Doors' concept, what would the outcome be and would our lives play out differently if we made a different choice at a pivotal crossroads. Still, her use of this concept fell flat -- she made her point but the ending was rushed and the reader isn't given a chance to process Irina's ultimate difference decisions. Neither of Irina's 'lives' (post Birthday moment) were particularly appealing, and to make matters worse I didn't identify with any of the main characters -- I thought they were all rather flat, cliche and hard to get to know on a deeper level. I found myself not caring about which direction Irina's life took. The book picked up it's pace in the latter 100 pages, which I appreciated, when I wasn't cringing at the stereotypes of Shriver's characters' personalities. This novel was very different from 'We Need to Talk About Kevin'. I loved the concept, and it is something I think other authors should try, but the writing and the two alternate stories fell flat.

The Kite Runner

2008-05-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

2 out of 5 Stars
This is one of those melodramatic best sellers with constant drama and little exposition. It's a fast read. But it's a very 'convenient' story -- lots of coincidences and the story is very predictable. Still, the descriptions of the changes in Afganistan were interesting and after reading this book I am even more afraid of the Taliban. Last night at 3am I was convinced there was a Taliban dude with a long beard and brass knuckles hiding in my closet.

Obedience

2008-05-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

2.5 out of 5 Stars
Author - Will Lavender
This book is far from a great piece of literature -- it's actually rather contrived and downright silly at times -- but I read it in a few hours and while it was cliche and over the top, it held my interest enough that I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Girls of Riyadh

2008-05-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

2 out of 5 Stars
Girls of Riyadh: A Novel
Author - Rajaa Abdullah Alsanea
I had a hard time reading this book for several reasons. First, it was never intended to be translated into English and by doing so I'm sure the author had to provide tons of extra passages of explanation about Arabic culture to the english speaking readers. Second, I'll openly admit that it is not a well written book (in English)-- it reads like a middle school essay on 'how I spent my summer'. But that aside, this was an interesting exploration into a culture that I know very little about, even after traveling to United Arab Emirates. I had absolutely no idea just how much more strict Saudi culture is. The author is very opinionated about Saudi Arabia and the way 'love' is percieved in Islamic culture. But she never openly critiques it, more she just whines and complains that love is hard and causes pain (and isn't this true worldwide?). She aims to be an Arabic Candace Bushnell but given the circumstances she can't pull it off. And not because the characters' simply aren't permitted by law to live and love the way the well known SATC girls do. But because the author lacks words and descriptions and emotions to adequately write about love. It's a worthwhile read if you are looking to learn more about the Islamic culture. But otherwise, skip it

Kaffir Boy

2008-05-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Kaffir Boy - The True Story of a Black Youth's Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa
Mark Mathabane
3 out of 5 Stars
Having visited both the remaining Townships in Capetown and Soweto in Johannesburg, this book provided additional insight into the abhorrant rules and conditions of apartheid. This is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in African studies, or in learning more about conditions in SA in the late 60s and 70s. Mathabane is truly inspiring -- he realized early on that education and sports were his way out of oppression and his strength and determination not to become a tsotsi is very impressive. His words are serene, honest and sincere. I have nothing but respect for this biography and this author.

Heartstopper

2008-05-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

Author - Helen Fielding
3 out of 5 Stars
I love serial killer novels. And this one certainly did not disappoint. The 'twist' ending is kind of guess-able but after reading this I would definitely read more by this author.

Run

2008-04-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Author - Ann Patchett
3 out of 5 Stars
This book would make a great script for an indy film or an off broadway play. It's very intimate and concise with well developed characters and a poignant social theme. I liked that Patchett didn't get overly sentimental or preachy.

Change of Heart

2008-04-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Author - Jodi Picoult
2 out of 5 Stars
I'm up and down with Jodi Picoult and this latest novel certainly reminded me why I sometimes can't stand her writing. It's very stereotypical (almost offensively so). Let's be serious Jodi, you are just not meant to write about life on 'death row' in prison in a serious manner. The characters were very one sided and if she was trying to make a point about religion, the death penalty, organ donation, the messiah, murder, (anything really), it fell very flat. I thought this book was very disappointing. Picoult is best when she takes on adolescent issues. She'sgood at writing from the point of view of a 16 year old.

The Memory of Water

2008-04-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

Author - Karen White
2 out of 5 Stars
This is the first book by Karen White that I have read and I was very mixed. I love that the book portrayed an accurate (or at least what I imagine to be accurate) depiction of bipolar disease. This novel had all the trappings of something that could have been really great -- fantastic descriptions of the ocean (packed with metaphors), dysfunctional family relationships, and (at least for the first 30 pages) a rather suspenseful and well written foreshadowing of a drastic and tragic event. But Miller underestimates her reader -- her ending is way too obvious (ie. she gives the readers way too much information early on), making the ending extremely disappointing.

The Almost Moon

2008-04-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

Author - Alice Sebold
3 out of 5 Stars
I was perplexed that this book got such poor reviews. I think Sebold is a good writer -- original and dark.

The Invisible Circus

2008-04-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

Author - Jennifer Egan
3 out of 5 Stars
I love Jennifer Egan. I read her books in reverse order (starting with 'The Keep', then 'Look At Me', and then 'Invisible Circus'). I love that she explores different themes in each book -- all three are very different. 'Invisible Circus' gets a firm 3 stars from me. I loved the overall feeling of living in the world during a time of great change, but not being able to identify just what it is that is happening even though you still want to be a part of it. Still, she uses a lot of exposition and towards the end-- much of the story is told to Phoebe by Wolf (something that annoyed me in the Harry Potter Books, particulary the last one with Dumbledore telling stories of the past to Harry).

Red

2008-04-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

Red: The Next Generation of American Writers -- Teenage Girls--On What Fires Up Their Lives Today
by Amy Goldwasser
3 out of 5 Stars
Overall this was definitely a worthwhile read. It was so refreshing to read writings by 13-18 year olds that didn't contain terminology such as 'lol' 'bff' or 'lmafo'. Thank God...American girls can express their thoughts and feelings without reverting to live journal slang or whatnot. If I was on a college applications committee I would be impressed by some of the honesty and candour of these girls. I thought some of the essays - particularly the one written about a rehab wilderness program in Utah -- were better than others.

Heart Shaped Box

2008-04-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

Author - Joe Hill
3 out of 5 Stars
This book was just bizarre enough that it kept me from making fun of it. I gave it 3 stars because it is clever and just so, so weird. Unlike the typical 'ghost stories' I have read recently, this book brought me back to the days of middle school sleep overs when we would light candles and use flash lights to scare each other with creepy stories in the middle of the night. I also like the references to music, especially since this book was written *after* the Nirvana song.

Daddy's Girl

2008-04-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

author - Lisa Scottoline
3 out of 5 Stars
I've seen Scottoline numerous times on Court TV so I was wary of reading this book fearing that it would be a trashy crime read. Fortunately, it wasn't at all trashy. Not as good as watching an episode of Law and Order but still it was a complete page turner and definitely worth my time.

I Never Promised You a Rose Garden

2008-04-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

Author - Joanna Greenberg
3 out of 5 Stars
This was an interesting read. Fascinating to see how schizophrenia was treated with therapy and hydrotherapy alone before the ammino acids were found useful. I always enjoy a book about mental hospitals. It reminded me a bit of Girl, Interrupted.

Rosie Little's Cautionary Tales for Girls

2008-04-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

2 out of 5 Stars
Enjoyable but very easily forget-able. Possibly a few steps up from 'chick-lit' and I appreciated that it was Australian, still the metaphors about fairy tales, the bible, etc. got in the way of my truly appreciating any of the stories. I thought the strongest stories were the first one and the last one.

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

2008-04-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

Author - Tom Robbins
5 out of 5 Stars
This was my first foray into the world of Tom Robbins and I am devastated that nobody recommended his writing to me sooner. It took me over two weeks to finish this novel, which for me is an obscenely long time, but I took such pleasure in reading sentences out loud and rereading certain passages over and over, that I am truly grateful that I took my time. I'm eager to read more of Robbins' novels.

But back to the book at hand. There is just so much I love about it. The characters - Sissy Hankshaw Gitche and her 'deformed' thumbs, Julian Gitche - a Native American leading a Manhattan society life, The Countess - a homosexual man with dentures who markets feminine hygene products and is 'friends' with Capote, Bonanza Jellybean - a young woman who never gave up on her childhood fantasy of being a cow girl, and my most favorite, The Chink - (mislabeled of course) who contradicts himself, adores yams, is sexually uninhibited (penis wagging!) and debatably wise after living amongst the 'clock people', and Dr. Robbins (heh) who drinks chablis with his patients.

And then all of the other elements (almost characters in themselves) - the missing whooping cranes, amoebas, the clouds, the prairie, Manhattan, sex, love, philosophy, poetry, art, nature, magic, culture, freedom, theatrical elements (a la meta and Brechtian by distancing the audience yet drawing them in, a contradiction, I know), animals, history, religion -- Robbins covers it all in this book with astute humor and without taking himself seriously.

Definitely a book I will keep forever and will most certainly read again.

The Night Listener

2008-04-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

4 out of 5 Stars
Author - Armistead Maupin
Fortunately I read this before seeing the film. I realize this is not known as one of Maupin's 'better' novels but I find it honest, creepy and disturbing. And very clever. Even more amazing is the fact that he based it on true events.

Restless Virgins: Love, Sex and Survival at a New England Prep School

2008-04-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Authors - Abigail Jones and Marissa Miley
3 out of 5 Stars
I'm constantly fascinated by how much (and yet at the same time how little) has changed since I was in high school in the early 90s. Sure, people had sex in high school but it almost always occured when people were in monogomous relationships. Of course we went to parties and experimented with alcohol and drugs. But random sex encounters were rare and were looked down on as something that occured between people who didn't respect themselves.

From what I understand, the stories in this book are not exclusive to Milton Academy. In schools nation wide girls as young as 12 are using sex as a means to 'have a boyfriend' and they mistakenly think that by having sex the guys will love and respect them. So what has changed since the early 90s? I think Candace Bushnell and Sex and the City had a bigger impact on America's youth than people realize. Young girls looked up to Carrie and Samantha, adult women who held prestigious jobs, were well educated and financially well off. Women who sterotypically had sex like men and were able to own their sexuality without the repercussions of losing respect or degrading themselves. But they were adults.

Girls in high school are not yet emotionally ready to have sex with no consequences. Giving blow jobs to five lacross guys at one time in order to be 'liked'? It breaks my heart. And I have no solutions to the problem.

I thought this book was an eye opening read. Definitely something I would encourage teenage girls to read and have conversations about. Knowledge is power.

I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell

2008-04-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

Author - Tucker Max
3 out of 5 Stars
his was an enjoyable read Still, he has his own internet cult following who no doubt made possible the publishing of his sex-capades, which is more than I can say for myself. What I liked about his writing is that it is an interesting (albeit very sad and pathetic) social commentary on women in today's society. Not a commentary on the way men view or treat women (if anything, Tucker is nothing but honest about his intents and I give him major credit for that), but his writings show just how stupid and pathetic women can be. And what I find even more upsetting...he's completely accurate. These women are just plain idiots. It is unfortunate that poor Tucker Max isn't as smart as he thinks he is. He comes close to pulling it off but his writing style just barely misses the mark. Still, a good try.

Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography

2008-04-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

2 out of 5 Stars
Hmm, this book was not as 'shocking' and 'tell-all' as I had hoped. I thought Morton played it pretty cool. Tom Cruise is a dangerous actor to mess with in terms of his litigious enthusiasm for any writer who portrays anything unpleasant. I wanted juicy gossip on the gay rumors (not too much on that) and I could have done without the first 70 or so pages on Tom's childhood and early career. But the Scientology stuff was fascinating and scary. And that Tom Cruise actually believes his own crap is even scarier.

Not Even My Name

2008-04-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

Author - Thea Halo
3 out of 5 Stars
A coworker of mine loaned me this book upon my return from Turkey. It's a heartbreaking true story of one woman's survival of the Greek death marches in the 20s from Turkish villages to her arranged marriage at the young age of 15 and her arrival and life in New York. I loved the historical chapters which contained facts about the 'ethnic cleansing' that went on which Turkey still denies (probably the main reason Europe is hesitant to allow Turkey into the EU). It's upsetting how America turned it's back on the massacres in order to maintain stable relations with the Ottoman Empire for the purpose of oil. Still, in spite of the gruesome ordeal, this story is very uplifting and hopeful.

Leaving a Doll's House: A Memoir

2008-04-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

3 out of 5 Stars
I hate to admit this on a public blog but Claire Bloom is not a good writer. Nor do I think she is particularly intelligent. It makes me wonder how she maintained a relationship with Philip Roth for as long as she did. That being said, I did think this book contained quite a lot of good dirt. I read it in a day, it was just that addicting. Bloom is quite the little vamp :) I loved reading about her various love affairs (pre Philip Roth). And if 'I Married a Communist' is at all based on his relationship with her, he must really have hated her daughter. I give this one 3 stars for keeping me entertained throughout. Far more enjoyable than the Tom Cruise book.

Last Night at the Lobster

2008-04-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

3 out of 5 Stars
Concise, to-the-point, realistic and touching. Reads like a short story. I very much enjoyed this short novel, though I gave it three stars (rather than four) because I would have appreciated more of a language dialect among the Lobster workers. If this is to be an honest portrayal of the 'working man', I was hoping the characters would speak to each other more realistically and less formally.

The Poisonwood Bible

2008-03-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Author - Barbara Kingsolver
4 out of 5 stars

WARNING --SPOILERS!!

I greatly enjoyed the first half of this book. So much so that I give the entire book 4 out of 5 stars. I loved the structure Kingsolver used, and I was especially pleased by how Ruth May ends the novel. I was riveted by this family of Christian Missionaries in the Congo in the 60s. I thought it was truthful and accurate -- the language barriers, the way the village reacts to them, the diseases, the animals, etc -- but the book somewhat lost my interest after Ruth May is bit by the snake and the sisters head in different directions. I found the character of Leah to be extremely annoying. My favorite was Adah -- I loved the palindromes and poetry. But the Leah chapters (in the second half) were like reading an encyclopedia. I could have learned about the political strife in Zaire from reading a text book. Still, this book was better than a lot of stuff I have read.

The Abstinence Teacher

2008-03-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

Author - Tom Perrotta
Having read 'Election' and 'Little Children' I was very disappointed in Perrotta's latest novel. I thought the characters were very flat (and overly stereotypical) -- I certainly didn't believe in Tim's sudden turnaround in accepting Jesus. The character was written as way too wise to have fallen under the *born again* spell and his former drug addiction was unrealistically executed. He never would have had an addiction counselor who coerced him into an affair and I would have more believed him following the 12 steps than finding Christ. I thought Perrotta's Christian characters were one sided -- I would have at least expected something more intelligent and satirical. And the final romance between Ruth and Tim was predictable and silly, something to be expected in chick lit but certainly not from an author of Perrotta's caliber. The gay couple was cringefully stereotypical as was the guest lecturer on abstinence. Very disappointing.

We Need to Talk About Kevin

2008-03-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

Author - Lionel Shriver
I really liked this book for several reasons. Lionel Shriver doesn't try to *trick* or talk down to the reader. She has created a character (Eva) who is not only brutally honest, but makes no apologies. Eva is not a sympathetic character and I really appreciated that. A book about 'blah blah blah - violence in schools - blah blah blah - why why why?' could so easily have been cliche but Shriver takes a completely different approach to an already overplayed topic. What if your child is truly a bad seed? What if his sociopathic tendencies have been so cleverly executed that your family thinks you are the crazy one and not your son? Eva talks at length, honestly and openly, about how from the minute her son was born she never felt an attachment to him. She never directly questions why her son did what he did. In many ways, she is as emotionally cold and detached as Kevin. Even her relationship with her daughter is without extreme emotion. What makes this book so creepy is that Eva never truly makes the connection just how alike she and her son are. Also, I liked that Kevin did not fall into the stereotype of 'school shooter'. Even better, he didn't use a gun. He's a very interesting character study -- not your typical 'oh poor me, the world is out to get me, i wear trench coats and black coats to stand out and I have access to a gun' character. Shriver has created a sociopath who deserves his own follow up novel.
I never thought that Eva's journey was cathartic nor did I think that Shriver was disguising the fact that the letters Eva writes were to her deceased husband. I think Eva wanted to put her journey in writing in hopes of having a better understanding. There is no answer to why kids act the way they do. And Kevin is an entirely different breed of interesting and terrifying kid. Eva has nothing left to lose, so through her letters she can express the utmost honesty. I believe that she did love her husband, but Shriver never makes this relationship overdramtic, in keeping with Eva's nature.

In the Woods

2008-03-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Author - Tana French
4 out of 5 Stars
** spoiler alert ** This gets 4 stars for being not only quite well written, but completely page turning. It's like an Irish Law and Order SVU but with some really excellent prose. Tana French is indeed a very good writer, I commend her on this debut novel and I would most definitely read her next book, when she writes it.

That being said, (SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS!!!), I guessed who was responsible for the murder pretty early on. This is pretty routine for me (no, I would never succeed at having a career as a...more This gets 4 stars for being not only quite well written, but completely page turning. It's like an Irish Law and Order SVU but with some really excellent prose. Tana French is indeed a very good writer, I commend her on this debut novel and I would most definitely read her next book, when she writes it.

That being said, (SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS!!!), I guessed who was responsible for the murder pretty early on. This is pretty routine for me (no, I would never succeed at having a career as a detective or pathologist or anything like that), but with a few minor exceptions (example - 'Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn') I tend to guess these things right away because I read a lot of mysteries and I watch a lot of cop shows and the writers all tend to follow the same pattern, which is not rocket science.

I did, however, think French gave a few too many clues and I found myself yelling at Detective Ryan for being so dim witted and gullible not to catch on. Then I was angry on page 409 when Ryan basically assumes the reader is as dense as he is. Very condescending. I hate when film and books underestimate the reader/viewer. Once I had guessed the killer, I avidly read page after page to see if I was right but more importantly I read this book so eagerly because Ryan seemed like such a sketchy character that I was waiting to see if he was responsible for the disappearance of Peter and Jamie. Alas, *that* case was left unsolved. Maybe French will write a sequel, and we'll finally get an answer to that cold case.

This book would make a fantastic film. I'm sure it's already being optioned as I type this :)

Beautiful Children

2008-03-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

3 out of 5 Stars
Beautiful Children
Author - Charles Bock
I had mixed reactions to this book. I decided about halfway through reading it that I didn't care for it very much. Certain descriptions of the seedy underbelly of the world of pornography made me slightly queasy -- not that this is necessarily a bad thing -- in retrospect those are the parts of Bock's writing that I thought were best. I thought some of the stories about runaway teens were slightly preachy and stereotypical. They weren't sugar coated but still seemed relatively less brutal in co...more I had mixed reactions to this book. I decided about halfway through reading it that I didn't care for it very much. Certain descriptions of the seedy underbelly of the world of pornography made me slightly queasy -- not that this is necessarily a bad thing -- in retrospect those are the parts of Bock's writing that I thought were best. I thought some of the stories about runaway teens were slightly preachy and stereotypical. They weren't sugar coated but still seemed relatively less brutal in comparison with Bock's honesty about other aspects of Vegas life. I found the chapters about Lorraine and Lincoln boring. I thought Bock's strongest characters were Cherry and Kenny. It's a worthwhile read for a first novel.

The Overachievers

2008-03-21T15:48:00.001-07:00

The Overachievers : The Secret Lives of Driven Kids
Alexandra Robbins
Unlike 'Restless Virgins' (which moderately shocked me and showed me how things have changed since I was in high school), 'The Overachievers' didn't tell me anything new. Even in high school in the early 90s we were college obsessed, over booked and stressed out. This book was almost an exact description of my high school experience what with the SAT prep, the honors and AP classes, the lack of sleep and the pressure. I was actually surprised that these kids remained so focused -- only a few pas...more Unlike 'Restless Virgins' (which moderately shocked me and showed me how things have changed since I was in high school), 'The Overachievers' didn't tell me anything new. Even in high school in the early 90s we were college obsessed, over booked and stressed out. This book was almost an exact description of my high school experience what with the SAT prep, the honors and AP classes, the lack of sleep and the pressure. I was actually surprised that these kids remained so focused -- only a few passages discussed drinking (not even anything about drug use). The students Robbins' profiled are good kids and they deserved to be accepted to prestigious schools. I wish she would have covered a more diverse crowd and focused a bit more on under privledged students who needed financial aid or scholarships. My favorite part of the book was her research on early childhood education and the competition (especially in Manhattan) to get into elite preschools. As an early childhood education teacher in Manhattan I spend a good portion of the Fall writing recommendations for my 2 year old students. Crazy, yes. But so true. I agree with Robbins' thesis -- children are forced (by their parents and caregivers) to compete with each other from the second they are born. But I'm not sure if that is true on all ends of the social spectrum. I also teach students in the lower middle class Bronx and the work mentality is much different than in Manhattan. Robbins' briefly mentioned one of the students working on a Native American reservation but her book focuses on one group -- upper middle class kids with college educated parents in Maryland.

Middlesex

2008-03-19T06:53:00.000-07:00

I held off on reading this book for quite some time despite the amazing things I had heard. I was worried that it would be slow because it covers such an expanse of time but, on the contrary, even with the lengthy historical and descriptive passages I read this book in less than a week. And I loved it. I loved every page of it. It reminded me of Doctorow's 'Ragtime' combining historical fact and fiction.

Sharp Objects

2008-03-18T07:27:00.000-07:00

What a fantistic debut novel! Creepy mother, dead sister, eery 13 year old half sister who alternates from sing-song childishness to drugs and promiscuity. A murder mysetery in a small town. A protagonist who carves words on her body. I am the complete target audience for this book. What's not to love?